Apparatus for severing linear material

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for severing linear material including a cutter roll having blades thereon extending outwardly of the circumferential surface of the member and means communicating with the opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member.

United States Patent Klink et a1. Feb. 22, 1972 [54] APPARATUS FORSEVERING LINEAR [56] References Cited MATERIAL UNITED STATES PATENTS[72] Inventors: Jerome P- Kllflk; Walter F- Ftllk, both of 3,034,2135/1962 Milligan ..225/97 UX Newark, Ohio 3,103,304 9/1963 Nawalanic..225/97 X [73] Assrgnee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation PrimaryExaminepdames M. Meister [22] Filed: Dec. 29, 1969 Attorney-StaeIin andOverman and Ronald C. Hudgens [21] Appl. No.: 888,709 [57] ABSTRACTApparatus for severing linear material including a cutter roll [52]U.S.C1 ..65/l1, 65/176, 83/347, having blades thereon extendingoutwardly of the circum 83/348, 83/674, 83/698, 83/913 l t C 8236 25/12ferential surface of the member and means communicating d 663 665 withthe opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced from e o a thecircumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the blades againstmovement circumferentially of the cylindrical member.

PATENTEDFEB22 1922 v 3.644.109

SHEET 1 UF 4 ATTORNEYS PAI'ENIEDFEB 22 m2 SHEET 2 BF 4 gmFaz WA A TH?ATTORNEYS PATENTED E ZE 9 2 3.644.109

SHEET 3 OF 4 WAZ 75/2 F. Fuur MAE/V7096 ATTORNEYS APPARATUS FOR SEVERINGLINEAR MATERIAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION While apparatus employingcooperating cutter rolls and cot rolls have successfully severed avariety of linear materials, including multifilament glass strands, ithas not been possible to sever such linear material into exceedinglyshort lengths, viz less than V4 inch. Prior art cutter roll constructionis primarily responsible for the inability of prior art apparatus tosever linear material into these shorter lengths.

Prior art construction of cutter rolls is believed to be well exampledby the disclosure of US. Pat. No. 2,719,336 issued to Richard B. Stotleron Nov. 4, 1955. As shown therein the inner ends of the cutting bladesare deeply embedded in the roll. Moreover, the blades extend radiallyfrom the circumferential surface of the roll without support. The deeppenetration of the blades in the roll converges the inner blade ends tolimit the closeness one can locate adjacent blades.

Also, in prior art chopping apparatus severed linear material tends tolodge in the space between closely adjacent blades. This logging limitsthe effective use of prior art apparatus for severing linear material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION I An object of the invention is improvedapparatus for severing linear material.

Another object of the invention is a cutter roll construction for use insevering linear material that permits closer circumferential spacingbetween blades to make possible severing of linear material into veryshort lengths.

Yet another object of the invention is a cutterroll for use in severinglinear material that substantially precludes accumulating severed linearmaterial between the blades of the cutter roll.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be moreapparent as the invention is hereinafter described in more detail withreference made to the following drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a chopperembodying one form of the invention and apparatus associated therewithshown rather diagrammatically for drawing continuous glass filamentsfrom a molten glass source and gathering the filaments into a pluralityof strands for delivery to the chopper;

FIG. 2 is an end elevation of the chopper as viewed from the line 2-2ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, vertical section of a chopper embodying analternate form of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the right-hand end of the chopper ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical section of the contact area of the cutterroll and cot roll of the chopper of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view ofthe chopper of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view with portions in section of the cutter rollof the chopper of FIGS. l-6 and five strands, diagrammaticallyindicated, being cut into short lengths;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view in cross section of the end plates employedwith the cutter roll assembly shown in FIGS. l-7; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view with portions in section of a modified cutterroll construction that may be employed with the apparatus shown in FIGS.l-6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings inmore detail, the strand chopper 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a cot roll12 that also serves as a filament pull wheel. A smaller cutter roll 13.has radially extending blades 14 which engage the peripheral surface ofthe cot roll 12. The cot roll is driven through belt 15 and pulley 16 bya motor which is not illustrated. The cutter roll is driven by the cotroll through the engagement between the blades 14 and the notches formedby the blades in the peripheral surface of the cot roll. The blades 14repeatedly sever the strands 19 passing between the two rolls into shortlengths 17 that collect on the conveyor 18.

The strands .19 are gatherings of continuous filaments 20 drawndownwardly from minute streams of molten glass issuing from the tips 21of the bushing 23 to which the molten glass is delivered from a glassfurnace.

The filaments are initiallydivided by the insertion of fingers 25 intostrand groups each of which may usually include from 20 to or morefilaments. Thus segregated, the filaments pass over the apron of thesize applicator 27. The strand groups of filaments are consolidated intocompact strands by riding around grooves in the shoe 28. The strandsthen pass around the idler wheel 29 in spaced relation before travelingupwardly upon the peripheral surface of the cot roll. The frictionaladhesion of the strands to the extended peripheral surface of the largecot roll is sufficient to generate the pulling force required to drawthe filaments 20 from the bushing 23.

The size applicator, grooved shoe and idler wheel are of conventionaldesign comparable to those shown and more fully described in US. Pat.No. 3,265,482 which issued Aug. 9, 1966 to Langlois and Stream. Theoverhanging or outboard positioning of the cot roll 12 in respect to thecasing 30 of the strand cutter and on the end of the shaft 32 as seen inFIG. 2 facilitates lacing of the strands around the cot roll at thestart of operation. The cot roll has a diameter, in this instance ofapproximately 13 inches to provide the circumferential sur-.

face required in its function as a pull wheel.

The cot roll 12 has a width close to 4 inches and has a peripheralsurface of a polyurethane composition tough and resilient in nature.

The cutter roll l3 is only about 4 inches in diameter inclusive of theblades. A cutter roll of this diameter has been found to functionsatisfactorily and may be built more accurately and at less expense thana larger model.

The cot roll 12 shaft 32 is supported upon bearings mounted on the edgesof the casing 30. The end shafts 33 of the cutter roll 13 is held withinbearings fixed to the upper ends of a pair of rocker arms, one of whichis indicated at 34 in FIG. I. The lower ends of the rocker arms arepivotally carried on shaft 35. Fixed to the center of the shaft 35between the rocker arms is a collar 37. A horizontal arm 38 projectsfrom this collar to extend exteriorly of the end of the casing 30.

A setscrew 39 threaded through bracket 40 and held in selected positionby locknut 41 limits the upward movement of the projecting end of thearm 38 and therethrough limits the rotation of shaft 35 in the directionpivoting cutter roll [3 toward the cot roll 12.

A second arm 42 extends upwardly from the collar 37 fixed to shaft 35and receives. the pressure of spring 43 carried on the rod 45. Thelatter is threaded atits outer end for receipt of the lock nut 46. Thetension of the spring swings the rocker arms on shaft 35 toward the cotroll and determines the pressure of the abutment of the blades of thecutter roll against the surface of the cot roll up to the limit ofmovement permitted by arm 38 meeting the setscrew 39.

A strand chopper 48 of alternate design is shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6.The structure of the chopper 48 is illustrated and described in moredetail. Because there are elements similar to those of the chopper 10 ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the description of the alternate design will improve theunderstanding of the structure of the chopper 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In this modification the cutter roll 13 with its radial blades 14instead of being supported upon rocker arms has its end shafts 33mounted in bearings 57 and 58 set upon the opposite side edges of thecasing 50.

The cot roll 60 is of smaller diameter (about 6 inches) than the cotroll 12 0f the earlier described model and is lodged with its lowerportion within the casing 50. Access to it is not so essential nor isthe large size, as here it does not serve as a pull wheel but instead isadapted to receive strands from packages mounted upon a creel.

The cot roll 60 includes an inner cylindrical shell 61 encompassed by aresilient sleeve 62 about as of an inch thick of a polyurethanecomposition. The sleeve is held in place by end retainers 63 and 64. Theshaft 65 of the cot roll extends through end hubs to rest in bearings 66and 67. These are mounted upon the upper ends of rocker arms 68 and 69similar to those supporting the cutter roll 13 of the chopperarrangement 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The rocker arms are carried upon thepivot shaft 71 turnable in bearings 72 and 73.

A collar 75 is fixed to the center of shaft 71. Extending from thecollar is the horizontal stop arm 76, the outer end of which projectsexteriorly of the casing 50 through opening 77. Upward movement of thearm 76 and associated pivoting of the cot roll 60 toward the cutter roll13 is limited by the setscrew 78 threaded through bracket 79 and held inselected setting by the locknut 80.

The upright arm 82 extending from collar 75 receives the thrust ofspring 83 held against the arm by the adjustable screw 84. The latter isthreaded through the end wall of casing 50 and held in selected positionby the locknut 85.

An aluminum idler roll 87 roughly 2 /2 inches in diameter rides upon theupper side of the cot roll 60, and rotates through internal bearings 88and 89 on shaft 91. The idler roll 87 is free to move vertically sincethe ends of shaft 91 are lodged within vertical slots 93 and 95 of endbrackets 94 and 96. Through the weight of the idler roll and itsfrictional rotation by the cot roll strands delivered between theserolls are pulled from the supply source, such as packages on a creel.

In the chopper 48 the cutter roll 13 is driven by a suitable motordriving a belt 100 engaging a pulley 99 on an end shaft 33.

FIGS. -7 more clearly show the construction of the cutter roll 13 usedwith both the chopper l0 and the chopper 48. As illustrated the rollincludes a cylindrical member 110, the blades 14 and end plates or caps112 and 114.

The cylindrical member 110 has circumferentially spaced apart grooves116 extending generally axially in its circumferentially surface. Theblades 14 seat in the grooves 116. The depth of the grooves d, varieswith the thickness of the blades 14. It is only necessary to have thedepth of the grooves 11", sufficiently deep to fix the base of theblades against circumferential movement on the cylindrical member 110during operation of a chopper, e.g., chopper or 48. The grooves alsokeep the blades straight during severing operation of the cutter roll13. Moreover, the width of the grooves 116 varies with blade thicknessto engage the blades 14 in snug fit relation. As more clearlyillustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the grooves 116 angle slightlycircumferentially of the cylindrical member 110. Preferably the distancebetween the grooves and the circumferential angle of the grooves placethe leading end of each blade 14 at least even with the trailing end ofthe preceding blade 14.

The blades 14 are thin longitudinal members having two opposing majorsurfaces 120, a base 122, ends 124 and a cutting edge 126 opposite thebase 122. The ends 124 converge from the base 122 to the cutting edge126. Accordingly, the length of the cutting edge 126 is less than thelength of the blades base.

On the cylindrical member 110 the blades 14 protrude laterally outwardlyfrom the members circumferential or lengthwise surface to a height H. His normally from 10 to times greater than the depth (1" of grooves 116.It has been useful to use grooves 116 circumferentially spaced apart 3to 4 and having a groove depth of 0.052 inch with a blade 14 having adepth D of 0.686 inch and a blade thickness from 0.050 to 0.052 inchalong its base 120. As shown, the blades 14 extend radially from thelengthwise axis of the cylindrical member 110.

FIGS. 7 and 8 more clearly show the end plates 112 and 114 thatcooperate to support and retain the blades 14 on the cylindrical member110. When the blades 14 are in grooves that extend lengthwise in adirection parallel to the axis of rotation of a cylindrical member 110,the end plates 112 and 114 are identical. When the blades 14 are ingrooves such as the grooves 116 that extend lengthwise in a direction ata slight angle to the axis of rotation of the cylindrical member 110,the end plates are identical except for disposition of slots 130.

Referring to the end plate 1 12 shown in FIG. 8, the plate is a thickdisclike member having an opening 132 extending through it from end toend. The opening 132 includes a cylinder access portion 134, a middleblade mounting portion 136 and a blade support portion 138. The smallestportion of the opening 132 is the cylinder access portion 134, throughwhich a shaft 33 can extend to position the plates at the ends of thecylindrical member 110. The middle portion 136 has wall portions 140diverging towards the blade support portion 138. When the end plates arein position, the wall portions 140 are adjacent to the ends 124 of theblades 14. The blade support portion 138 of the opening 132 is definedby a tubelike wall portion 142 with a beveled annular plate end surface144 converging towards the middle portion 136. The wall portion 142 hasslots 130 uniformly spaced about its circumference, the slots 130opening on the annular plate end surface 144. Walls 146 and bottom 148define the slots 130. The wall material between the slots formsextensionlike support members 150 giving lateral support to the blades14 to fix their cutting edges 126 against lateral or circumferentialmovement on the cylindrical member 110. This support keeps the blades 14from tipping in the grooves 116. The grooves function as means fixingthe blades 14 at their base 122 against movement circumferentially ofthe member 110. Accordingly, the cutter roll construction fixes theblades 14 at their base 122 and their cutting edge 126 to fix the bladesagainst circumferential movement on the cylindrical member even duringoperation of the chopping apparatus. The cutter roll arrangement keepsthe blades in desired angular disposition on the member 110. In FIG. 8the surface of the wall portions 136, the annular surface 144 and thesurfaces of the slot bottoms 148 extend in a parallel direction.

When the caps or end plates 112 and 114 are in place at the ends of thecylindrical member 110, the ends of the blades 14 are in the slots insnug fit relation and the inclined wall portion of the opening 132cooperates to fix the blades 14 against outward movement on thecylindrical member 110 and in the grooves. A resilient gasket 154 isnormally used between the cylindrical member and blade assembly toaccommodate for any dimension differences in components. Screws 156 drawthe cap ends 112 and 114 tightly against the gasket 154 to rigidly fixthe blades 14 in place against outward movement on the cylindricalmember 110, the gasket 152 pressing against the edges of the blade ends124.

The support wall members at the ends of the blades 14 communicate withopposite sides of the blades in a region spaced outwardly of thelengthwise surface of the cylindrical member 110 to fix the bladesagainst movement circumferentially of the member 110. The walls 146 ofthe slots 130 engage the blades 14 in a zone spaced from the lengthwisesurface of the cylindrical member 110. The walls 146 of each of theslots 140 engage the major surfaces of blades 14 at their end regionsadjacent the cutting edge 126.

The construction of the cutter roll 13 provides for retaining both thebase and cutting edge of each blade fixed against lateral movement,i.e., movement circumferentially of the lengthwise surface of thecylindrical member 1 10. At the base 122 of the blades there is meansfixing the base 122 against movement circumferentially of thecylindrical member. At the cutting edge the arrangement uses means suchas support members between the blades to retain the cutting edge fixedagainst movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member.

While in the embodiment shown the polyurethane composition of the cotroll sleeve 62 is tough and resilient, it is pierced by the blades 14,and notches 158 are quickly formed in the surface of the sleeve asillustrated in FIG. 5. The circumferential dimension of the sleeve isselected to be evenly divided by the distance between the tips ofadjacent blades and the blades are spaced evenly apart so the bladeskeep projecting into the notches first created by the blades. Thisestablishes a strong traction between the cutter roll and the cot rollwhich synchronizes their rotation and transmits driv ing torque from theroll activated from a power source. This tracking of the blades in thesame notches also prevents general scarifying and wear of the cot rollarising from random impingement of the blades.

As can further be seen in FIG. 5 the cutting edge of the blades 14 aretapered on one major surface only. It has been found that the use ofsuch a cutting edge arrangement precludes accumulation of severed strandeven when the cutting roll arrangement locates the blades exceedinglyclose together.

As depicted in FIG. 7 strands 160 are cut into short lengths 162 as theypass between the cutter roll 13 and the cot roll 60. The line ofseverance 164 is parallel with and slightly above the line of tangentcontact between the two rolls.

The work load is distributed since the strands are cut successively aseach angled blade, progressively from left to right as viewed in FIG. 7,moves across the line of severance. To reduce wear of the blades thegroup of strands 160 are conventionally reciprocated lengthwise of thecutter roll.

The tension of spring 83 may be set by adjustment of screw 84 to applythe pressure necessary for penetration of the blades into the surface ofthe cot sleeve. A pressure of only 150 pounds has been found effective.

Entry of the blades into the notches is advisably limited initially tol/32 of an inch. This is controlled by positioning set screw 78 againsthorizontal arm 76.

To maintain the cutting effectiveness of the blades as the notchesbecome widened through gouging by the blades, deeper penetration isprovided by outwardly turning of the setscrew 78. Ordinarily entry of nomore than Va of an inch is recommended. After this depth is reached thesleeve may be removed and its surface refinished by machining in alathe. To reestablish tracking of the blades in the notches subsequentlyformed the reduction in diameter must be such that the new circumferenceis still exactly divisable by the distance between adjacent blades.

With the angled blades at least two blades are engaging notches at thesame time. Simultaneous engagement of additional blades further adds tothe traction and occurs when the blades are narrowly spaced for cuttingthe strand into short lengths such as V3 and A inches. Such contact ofadditional blades is promoted by utilizing a cot roll of larger diameterthan that found most feasible for the cutter roll. The peripheralsurface of the cot roll does not then recede so rapidly from the contactarea. A diameter for the cot roll at least 50 percent greater than thatof the cutter roll is accordingly desirable.

FIG. 9 shows a modified cutter roll 170 constructed according to theprinciples of the invention. As illustrated, the cutter roll 170includes a cylindrical member 172, blades 174, and end plates 176.

In FIG. 9 the cylindrical member 172 has end shafts 178 and straightrows of spaced apart openings 180 in its circumferential surface. Therows of openings 180 extend in an axial direction and as in the case ofthe grooves 116 of the cylindrical member 110, the rows of openings 180are circumferentially spaced apart. While the rows are shown extendingin an axial direction, one can angle the rows slightly as in the case ofthe grooves 116 shown in FIG. 7.

The blades 174 are thin longitudinal members having two opposing majorsurfaces 181, a base 182, ends 184 and a cutting edge 186 opposite thebase 182. As with the blades 14 the ends 184 converge from the base 182to the cutting edge 186. Extending from the base 182 of the blades 184are projections 188 spaced apart along the base edge of the blade adistance equal to the distance between the openings 180. In properposition on the cylindrical member 172 all the projections 188 fitsnugly into the openings 180. The engagement between the projections 188and the wall defining each of the openings needs to be only sufficientto retain the base of each of the blades fixed against movement in adirection circumferentially of the cylindrical member 172. As shown inFIG. 9 the blades 174 extend axially on the cylindrical member 172.

The end plates 176 cooperate to mount the blades 174 on the cylindricalmember 172 and retain the blades in fixed desired angular relationshipabout the cylindrical member 172. The end plates 176 are similar to theend plates 112 and 114 with slots similar to slots 130 but somewhatlonger. The wall material between the slots 190 form extension-linessupport members 192 which are similar to support members 150, givinglateral support to the blades 174 to the cutting edge 186 againstmovement laterally, i.e., in a direction circumferentially of thecylindrical member 172. This support keeps the blades from tipping onthe cylindrical member 172. In FIG. 9 the slots 190 extend the entirelength dimension of the ends 184 of the blades 174. The bottom of theslot 190 matches the converging path of the ends 184 of the blades 174to form a mounting surface keeping each of the blades 174 on thecylindrical member 172. Screws 194 draw the cap ends 176 tightly againstthe ends of the cylindrical member to rigidly mount the blades 174 onthe cylindrical member 172.

For the purpose of setting forth this invention specific apparatus hasnecessarily been disclosed. Various modifications and substitution ofelements thereof are entirely feasible while retaining the basicfeatures and benefits of the invention. It should also be recognizedthat the term strands" is utilized generically herein and should beinterpreted as encompassing rovings, yarn, filaments and tapes.

We claim: 1. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material intoshort lengths comprising:

a cylindrical member; blades on the cylindrical member extending in adirection generally axially of the cylindrical member, the blades beingin circumferentially spaced apart relationship each extending from abase outwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical memberto a cutting edge;

means fixing the blades at their base against movement circumferentiallyof the cylindrical member;

means at the ends of the blades communicating with opposite sides of theblades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix thebutting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of thecylindrical member; and

means fixing the blades against outward movement on the cylindricalmember.

2. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengthscomprising;

a cylindrical member;

blades on the cylindrical member extending from end to end, the bladesbeing in circumferential spaced relationship each from a base projectingoutwardly of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical member to acutting edge; means fixing the blades at their base against movementcircumferentially of the cylindrical member; and

means including support members between the blades at opposing sides ofthe blades, the support members engaging the blades in a region spacedfrom the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the bladesagainst circumferential movement on the cylindrical member.

3. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengthscomprising;

a cylindrical member having circumferentially spaced apart groovesextending generally from end to end;

blades extending from the grooves, the blades extending to a cuttingedge located outwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindricalmember; and

blade support members at the ends of the cylindrical member, the supportmembers being between the blades and being spaced from thecircumferential surface of the cylindrical member, the support membersengaging the blades ends to cooperate with grooves to fix the bladesagainst movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member.

4. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengthscomprising:

a cylindrical member having in its circumferential surface groovesextending generally lengthwise of themember; blades extending from thegrooves to cutting edges laterally disposed from the grooves;

means holding the blades in the grooves; and

blade support means cooperating with the grooves to keep the blades insubstantially fixed angular disposition on the cylindrical member, theblade support means including members engaging opposite sides of theblades at their end regions laterally of the circumferential surface.

5. A cutter roll according to claim 4 where the blades project radiallyof the cylindrical member.

6. A cutter roll for use in severing glass strand into short lengthscomprising:

a cylindrical member having grooves extending generally lengthwisethereof;

longitudinal blades on the cylindrical member, each blade having acutting edge, a base and ends, the ends converging from the base to thecutting edge, the base of each of the blades seated in a groove, theblades projecting outwardly from the lengthwise surface of thecylindrical member in a direction generally radially of the longitudinalaxis of the cylindrical member; and

a cap member at each end of the cylindrical member, each of the capmembers including a blade-retaining portion engaging the edges of theblade ends to hold the blades in the grooves and support membersextending between the blades, the support members engaging the endregions of the major surfaces of the blades at locations spaced from thelengthwise surface of the cylindrical member.

7. A cutter roll recited in claim 6 where the grooves anglecircumferentially of the cylindrical member.

8. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengthscomprising:

a cylindrical member having circumferentially spaced straight-line rowsof spaced-apart openings, the rows extending generally from end to endof the cylindrical member;

blades on the cylindrical member, each of the blades having a cuttingedge and a base, projections extending from the base of the blades, theprojections sufficiently spaced and of sufficient size to snugly fitinto the openings, the engagement between the projections and theopenings fixing the base against movement circumferentially of thecylindrical member, the blades each extending from a base outwardly ofthe lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge; and

a cap member at each end of the cylindrical member, each of the capmembers including a blade-retaining portion engaging the edges of theblade ends to hold the projections in the openings and support membersextending between the blades, the support member engaging the endregions of the major surfaces of the blades at locations spaced from thelengthwise surface of the cylindrical member.

9. Apparatus for cutting glass strands into short lengths comprising:

a cutter roll comprising a cylindrical member, blades on the cylindricalmember extending in a direction generally axially of the cylindricalmember, the blades being in circumferentially spaced-apart relation eachextending from a base outwardly of the circumferential surface of thecylindrical member to a cutting edge, means fixing the blades at theirbase against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, meansat the ends of the blades communicating with the opposite sides of theblades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix thecutting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of thecylindrical member, and means fixing the blades against outward movementon the cylindrical member;

a cot roll adjacent to the cutter roll;

means supplying strands between the rolls; and

means for rotating the rolls together, the glass strands deliveredbetween the rolls being cut into short lengths.

10. Apparatus for producing discontinuous lengths of glass strandscomprising:

means for delivering a plurality of molten glass streams; and

means for continuously attenuating the streams into glass filaments andforming discontinuous lengths thereof comprising a cutter roll includinga cylindrical member, blades on the cylindrical member extending in adirection generally axially of the cylindrical member, the blades beingin circumferentially spaced-apart relation each extending from a baseoutwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member to acutting edge, means fixing the blades at their base against movementcircumferentially of the cylindrical member, means at the ends of theblades communicating with the opposite sides of the blades in a regionspaced from the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of theblades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, andmeans fixing the blades against outward movement on the cylindricalmovement, a cot roll adjacent to the cutter roll, and means for rotatingthe rolls together, the rolls advancing the glass strands between themand severing them into discontinuous lengths.

ll. Acutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengthscomprising:

a base member for rotational mounting;

blades on the base member oriented in a direction generally axially ofsuch member, the blades being in spaced-apart relationship eachprojecting from a base portion outwardly of the base member to a cuttingedge;

means fixing the blades at their base portions against lateral movementabout the base member;

blade support means in at least one of the end regions of the bladescommunicating with at least one of each of the blades at a locationspaced from the base member to fix the cutting edges against lateralmovement; and

means fixing the blades against outward movement on the base member.

12. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengthscomprising:

a longitudinal member;

blades on the longitudinal member oriented in a direction generallylengthwise of such member, the blades being in spaced-apart relationshipeach projecting from a base outwardly of the longitudinal member to acutting edge;

means fixing the blades at their bases against lateral movement aboutthe longitudinal member;

blade support means at the end regions of the blades communicating withopposite sides of the blades at locations spaced from the longitudinalmember to fix the cutting edges against lateral movement; and

means fixing the blades against outward movement on the longitudinalmember.

1. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into short lengthscomprising: a cylindrical member; blades on the cylindrical memberextending in a direction generally axially of the cylindrical member,the blades being in circumferentially spaced apart relationship eachextending from a base outwardly of the circumferential surface of thecylindrical member to a cutting edge; means fixing the blades at theirbase against movement circumferentially of the cylindrIcal member; meansat the ends of the blades communicating with opposite sides of theblades in a region spaced from the circumferential surface to fix thebutting edge of the blades against movement circumferentially of thecylindrical member; and means fixing the blades against outward movementon the cylindrical member.
 2. A cutter roll for use in severing linearmaterial into short lengths comprising; a cylindrical member; blades onthe cylindrical member extending from end to end, the blades being incircumferential spaced relationship each from a base projectingoutwardly of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical member to acutting edge; means fixing the blades at their base against movementcircumferentially of the cylindrical member; and means including supportmembers between the blades at opposing sides of the blades, the supportmembers engaging the blades in a region spaced from the circumferentialsurface to fix the cutting edge of the blades against circumferentialmovement on the cylindrical member.
 3. A cutter roll for use in severinglinear material into short lengths comprising; a cylindrical memberhaving circumferentially spaced apart grooves extending generally fromend to end; blades extending from the grooves, the blades extending to acutting edge located outwardly of the circumferential surface of thecylindrical member; and blade support members at the ends of thecylindrical member, the support members being between the blades andbeing spaced from the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member,the support members engaging the blades ends to cooperate with groovesto fix the blades against movement circumferentially of the cylindricalmember.
 4. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into shortlengths comprising: a cylindrical member having in its circumferentialsurface grooves extending generally lengthwise of the member; bladesextending from the grooves to cutting edges laterally disposed from thegrooves; means holding the blades in the grooves; and blade supportmeans cooperating with the grooves to keep the blades in substantiallyfixed angular disposition on the cylindrical member, the blade supportmeans including members engaging opposite sides of the blades at theirend regions laterally of the circumferential surface.
 5. A cutter rollaccording to claim 4 where the blades project radially of thecylindrical member.
 6. A cutter roll for use in severing glass strandinto short lengths comprising: a cylindrical member having groovesextending generally lengthwise thereof; longitudinal blades on thecylindrical member, each blade having a cutting edge, a base and ends,the ends converging from the base to the cutting edge, the base of eachof the blades seated in a groove, the blades projecting outwardly fromthe lengthwise surface of the cylindrical member in a directiongenerally radially of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member;and a cap member at each end of the cylindrical member, each of the capmembers including a blade-retaining portion engaging the edges of theblade ends to hold the blades in the grooves and support membersextending between the blades, the support members engaging the endregions of the major surfaces of the blades at locations spaced from thelengthwise surface of the cylindrical member.
 7. A cutter roll recitedin claim 6 where the grooves angle circumferentially of the cylindricalmember.
 8. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material into shortlengths comprising: a cylindrical member having circumferentially spacedstraight-line rows of spaced-apart openings, the rows extendinggenerally from end to end of the cylindrical member; blades on thecylindrical member, each of the blades having a cutting edge and a base,projections extending from the base of the blades, the projectionssufficiently spaced and of sufficient size to snugly fit into theopenings, thE engagement between the projections and the openings fixingthe base against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member,the blades each extending from a base outwardly of the lengthwisesurface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge; and a cap member ateach end of the cylindrical member, each of the cap members including ablade-retaining portion engaging the edges of the blade ends to hold theprojections in the openings and support members extending between theblades, the support member engaging the end regions of the majorsurfaces of the blades at locations spaced from the lengthwise surfaceof the cylindrical member.
 9. Apparatus for cutting glass strands intoshort lengths comprising: a cutter roll comprising a cylindrical member,blades on the cylindrical member extending in a direction generallyaxially of the cylindrical member, the blades being in circumferentiallyspaced-apart relation each extending from a base outwardly of thecircumferential surface of the cylindrical member to a cutting edge,means fixing the blades at their base against movement circumferentiallyof the cylindrical member, means at the ends of the blades communicatingwith the opposite sides of the blades in a region spaced from thecircumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of the blades againstmovement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, and means fixingthe blades against outward movement on the cylindrical member; a cotroll adjacent to the cutter roll; means supplying strands between therolls; and means for rotating the rolls together, the glass strandsdelivered between the rolls being cut into short lengths.
 10. Apparatusfor producing discontinuous lengths of glass strands comprising: meansfor delivering a plurality of molten glass streams; and means forcontinuously attenuating the streams into glass filaments and formingdiscontinuous lengths thereof comprising a cutter roll including acylindrical member, blades on the cylindrical member extending in adirection generally axially of the cylindrical member, the blades beingin circumferentially spaced-apart relation each extending from a baseoutwardly of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical member to acutting edge, means fixing the blades at their base against movementcircumferentially of the cylindrical member, means at the ends of theblades communicating with the opposite sides of the blades in a regionspaced from the circumferential surface to fix the cutting edge of theblades against movement circumferentially of the cylindrical member, andmeans fixing the blades against outward movement on the cylindricalmovement, a cot roll adjacent to the cutter roll, and means for rotatingthe rolls together, the rolls advancing the glass strands between themand severing them into discontinuous lengths.
 11. A cutter roll for usein severing linear material into short lengths comprising: a base memberfor rotational mounting; blades on the base member oriented in adirection generally axially of such member, the blades being inspaced-apart relationship each projecting from a base portion outwardlyof the base member to a cutting edge; means fixing the blades at theirbase portions against lateral movement about the base member; bladesupport means in at least one of the end regions of the bladescommunicating with at least one of each of the blades at a locationspaced from the base member to fix the cutting edges against lateralmovement; and means fixing the blades against outward movement on thebase member.
 12. A cutter roll for use in severing linear material intoshort lengths comprising: a longitudinal member; blades on thelongitudinal member oriented in a direction generally lengthwise of suchmember, the blades being in spaced-apart relationship each projectingfrom a base outwardly of the longitudinal member to a cutting edge;means fixing the blades at their bases against lateral movement aBoutthe longitudinal member; blade support means at the end regions of theblades communicating with opposite sides of the blades at locationsspaced from the longitudinal member to fix the cutting edges againstlateral movement; and means fixing the blades against outward movementon the longitudinal member.